Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Advance Your Studies in Conflict Prevention, Analysis, Mitigation, and Resolution
The demand for conflict resolution professionals such as arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is high. Career opportunities are available in higher education, business, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Nova Southeastern University’s Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution prepares you for career advancement through project-based learning and field experiences.
NSU’s Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution will help you develop the skills and techniques of practice, interdisciplinary research, policy and program development, historical critique, cultural analysis, and theoretical foundations of the field. In this Ph.D. program, you’ll pursue an in-depth study in the field of conflict resolution and apply theory, research, and practice to come up with viable resolutions. The research and leadership skills you’ll gain throughout your doctoral studies will help you produce publications of quality and substance related to your interests. Peer mentors and experienced interdisciplinary faculty provide support and guidance to ensure your success.
Choose from Four Concentrations:
- Interpersonal Conflict
- Community-based Conflict
- Conflict in Organizations
- Global Conflict
When You're a Shark, the Sky's the Limit
The world needs conflict resolution more than ever. Communication that helps us collaborate to solve problems and better our environments so we can thrive within them is a critical competency for today's professionals. Get to know some of our graduates that completed a graduate degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and went on to do great things.
Quick Facts
Curriculum
NSU’s Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution is 76 total credits to complete.
Start Dates
The Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution accepts applications for the fall semester only. NSU’s Fall term begins in August.
Delivery Options
Classes for the Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution are offered at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus and online. Virtual students are required to attend two Residential Institutes per academic year.
Tuition
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
Application Deadline
Fall 2025: July 18th
Fall 2025: Applications forms must be submitted by July 8th. The full application packet - including academic transcripts and letter of recommendation relevant to the envisioned study path - must be submitted by July 18th.
Career Outcomes
Conflict Analysis and Resolution Curriculum
Core Courses (6 credits)
Credits
CARD 5000
Foundations and Development of Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies (CARD 5000 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 5040
Communication Dynamics in Dispute Resolution: The Human Factor (CARD 5040 / Credits: 3 )
3
Practice (choose 9 credits)
Credits
CARD 5100
Mediation Theory and Practice (CARD 5100 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 5140
Negotiation Theory and Practice (CARD 5140 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 6140
Facilitation Theory and Practice (CARD 6140 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7020
Systems Design: History and Contemporary Practice (CARD 7020 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7500
Teaching and Training (CARD 7500 / Credits: 3 )
3
Theory (choose 9 credits)
Credits
CARD 6120
Culture and Conflict: Cross-Cultural Perspectives (CARD 6120 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7040
Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution I (CARD 7040 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7050
Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution II (CARD 7050 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7250
Public Policy (CARD 7250 / Credits: 3 )
3
Research Methods (12 credits)
Credits
CARD 7090
Quantitative Research I: Methods and Tools (CARD 7090 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7100
Quantitative Research II: Analysis and Statistics (CARD 7100 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7110
Qualitative Research Methods I (CARD 7110 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7120
Qualitative Research Methods II (CARD 7120 / Credits: 3 )
3
Practicum (choose 6 credits)
Credits
CARD 6130
Practicum I: Supervised Field Experience (CARD 6130 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 6624
Advanced Practicum (CARD 6624 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 6625
Global Practicum (CARD 6625 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7510
Teaching and Training Practicum (CARD 7510 / Credits: 3 )
3
Elective Courses
Students are required to complete (21) credit hours of electives. ( )
Doctoral Seminar
Credits
CARD 7001
Doctoral Seminar (CARD 7001 / Credits: 1 )
1
Dissertation (12 credits)
Credits
CARD 7901
Dissertation Preparation (CARD 7901 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARD 7900
Dissertation (Repeatable) (CARD 7900 / Credits: 3 )
3
For specific course requirements, refer to the “Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Program" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
Admissions Requirements
| 1 |
Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee |
| 2 |
Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended need to be mailed directly to Enrollment Processing Services (EPS), including agency evaluation of foreign degrees for determination of U.S. equivalence (including Canadian transcripts). International Students should visit the Office of International Affairs for further information. |
| 3 |
An admissions essay, 500-1,000 words. This essay should tell us why you are interested in the program to which you are applying for, as well as your professional goals, your assessment of your abilities to manage the challenges of graduate school, and any other information you would like to provide. |
| 4 | An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing). |
| 5 | Submit (3) Letters of Recommendation |
| 6 | Submit a 'Resume' OR 'Curriculum Vita' |
| 7 | Minimum master's program GPA of 3.5. |
| 8 |
For non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction). Demonstrate English-language proficiency is required through one of the following options:
|
GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Join us on Thursday, October 17th at 5:30 PM EST to learn more about Conflict Resolution studies, including careers within the field, NSU graduate degree offerings, and the application process.
This event is free and open for all to attend. You may register for the Open House HERE.
Program directors and department faculty from the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies and NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions will be in attendance to answer your questions about your program(s) of interest.
The Department of Conflict Resolution Studies will accept a total of 15 credits from previous graduate coursework. Coursework must replicate NSU offerings in the major field of interest or must be closely related. Transfer credits must be graduate-level from accredited institutions. Students are required to consult with DCRS Program Coordinator regarding the transfer of credit policy.
NSU’s Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution is flexible to meet the needs of working adults and those unable to attend the on-campus program. However, there are many benefits to forming relationships with your professors and participating in hands-on work. Online students are required to attend two Residential Institutes (RI) per academic year. Each RI is five days. Currently, they are held in February and October.
The RI helps online students build a learning community. During the RIs, you will participate in experiential exercises, role play and group simulations. RIs also offer guest speaker presentations, panel discussions, career development seminars, social events and much more. There is also time allotted for faculty advising and student academic reviews.
Learn More about the Residential Institute
If you take 9 credits per term, you can expect to complete coursework in 2 ½ years, followed by a dissertation. If you take 6 credits per term, then you can expect to complete coursework in 4 years, followed by a dissertation. Courses are offered year-round.
Where Will a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Take You? Hear From Our Alumni.
Program Director and Admissions Staff
Pushpa Iyer, Ph.D.
Department Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Conflict Resolution Studies
Judith McKay
Director of Doctoral Programs & Associate Professor
Department of Conflict Resolution Studies
You and NSU – the Sky’s the Limit
Your support and involvement helps us create, investigate and improve the world around us. Join us in our passion to bring out the best in our students, our society, our environment and our economy.
